What is Forestry?
Forestry: the application of scientific, economic and social principles to attain specific objectives in the care of a forest.
Scientific principles: The science behind forestry is called “silvics”, and the practical application of that science is called “silviculture”. The science of silvics examines characteristics of individual trees in a forest and the interactions of those trees with each other and with the forest ecosystem as a whole.
Economic principles: Forests have many values including biological, recreational, aesthetic and economic. Managing a forest really boils down to prioritizing those values and determining how to maximize some without seriously degrading others. To understand the economic value of a forest, one must consider many factors including current market value, rates of growth and appreciation, tax considerations and crop rotation.
Social principles: Without people, there would be no need for the manage- ment of natural resources. It is the human impact on our Natural environment that makes resource management necessary. If our forests are to meet the demands for material and non-material values we place upon them, foresters must help citizens understand the economic, aesthetic and ecological consequences of any given course of action. Conversely, foresters must understand and consider a wide range of opinions and feelings about forest management.
The Practice of Forestry in Indiana
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The Division of Forestry is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.
